SPEX 2 SCA Introductory Session
Recorded SCA Analysis
SCA Hints and Tips
Video Recording Information
Useful Resources 

SPEX 2 SCA

 

Overview
  • Half day introduction session in ST3 – consulting like a GP, how to pass the SCA
  • Tutorial with SPEX educator and Educational Supervisor with video analysis

 

SPEX 2 SCA Introductory Session

This is an introduction to SPEX 2 SCA for Doctors in Training (DiT) who are identified as needing extra support. We will outline the programme and give an overview of the SCA exams including helpful tips. We will focus on the ‘BIG FIVE’ reasons for passing the SCA. Following this session DiTs will be allocated a SPEX educator for their SPEX 2 SCA tutorial.

 

SPEX 2 SCA Tutorial

This session is an individualised tutorial with the DiT, their Educational Supervisor and a specially trained SPEX educator. Prior to the tutorial the SPEX Educator will watch three consultation recordings made by the trainee and offer advice on consultation skills focusing on the SCA. Following the tutorial, DiT are encouraged to continue to make recordings of consultations and work on their development with their Educational Supervisor.

 

Recorded Consultation Analysis

FourteenFish: A guide to using the Consultation Toolkit How to use - FourteenFish (you will need to login to access this)

 

SCA Hints and Tips

SCA at a glance

  • An assessment of twelve simulated consultations, each lasting twelve minutes – audio and video cases
  • Conducted remotely in a GP surgery (usually your own)
  • Sat only in ST3
  • Cases will reflect real life general practice and are based on real patient consultations
  • No change to RCGP curriculum
  • Physical examinations will not be assessed

Preparation

  • Read the most up to date information on the RCGP website carefully
  • Use the RCGP SCA information which includes a link to the SCA consultation toolkit as well as videos and webinars
  • Use the Consultation Overview and RAG rating within the SCA consultation toolkit to analyse consultations 
  • Keep consulting and recording – practice is key
  • Seek feedback regularly - use joint surgeries, COTs and tutorials with ES
  • Practice with peers in small groups is essential – consider practicing in three's with one person playing the patient, one the doctor and one the examiner and rotating
  • Cover all the curriculum areas and fill any gaps – see GP curriculum: topic guides on RCGP website
  • Consider capabilities that make a safe consultation
  • Get a timer on the desk
  • Consider aide memoirs next to phone or computer (Consultation Overview document helpful)
  • Locate room and test equipment – ‘walk through’ online exam platform 7 days prior
  • Ensure do not disturb sign on door to avoid interruptions

Consultation Skills

  • ‘Consult like a GP’ rather than a hospital doctor.
  • Listen and respond to the patients’ answers
  • Make it more like a flowing conversation rather than a list of disjointed questions.
  • Establish ICE (all three) and patient’s psychosocial issues and ensure these are taken into account within the management plan. 
  • Finish data gathering by 6 minutes
  • Verbalise your thinking and involve the patient.
  • Practice explanations of common conditions so that they are slick
  • Make a working diagnosis and a clear shared management plan
  • Use Safety netting and follow up appropriately.
  • Remember you are only marked on what you say/show so verbalise diagnosis and any investigations that you would do

Marking

  • Each case marked in 3 domains: Data gathering & diagnosis; Clinical management & medical complexity; and Relating to others
  • Over the 12 cases, the clinical management and medical complexity domain is weighted by a third in comparison to the other 2 domains
  • Ensure time is managed to cover important points in all 3 areas

 

 

Video Recording Information

 

Useful Resources

RCGP - Introducing the SCA 
RCGP - SCA consultation toolkit
TALC - Consultation Skills

 

 

 

 

This page was last updated November 5th 2024 (8 days ago)